he Cyrus International Film Festival, located in the heart of Toronto, celebrates the city’s renowned multiculturalism. Toronto, often cited as one of the most diverse metropolises globally, is home to a large and vibrant Iranian community, making it an ideal location for showcasing Persian and Middle Eastern cinema. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is home to over 100,000 people of Iranian descent, one of the largest Iranian diasporas in North America. This significant population highlights the importance of the festival, as it serves as a cultural bridge, bringing Iranian cinema to both the local community and the broader, multicultural audience of Toronto.
Held annually, the Cyrus International Film Festival focuses on contemporary Middle Eastern and Persian cinema, particularly highlighting Iranian films. Its goal is to present the most acclaimed films of the year, offering audiences a chance to explore the richness and diversity of this national cinema. From arthouse films and box office hits to documentaries and experimental works, the festival showcases the leading filmmakers and cinematic movements from Iran and the broader Middle East.
Against the backdrop of Toronto’s diverse population, the festival not only screens films but also fosters unity and cross-cultural understanding. It is a celebration of shared stories and humanity, set in one of the world’s most multicultural cities.
Since its inception in 2015, the festival has grown rapidly, attracting over 2,000 patrons annually. After TIFF, it is one of the most prominent local film festival in Toronto, with screenings held at prestigious venues such as TIFF Bell Lightbox and Innis Town Hall at the University of Toronto. The festival features not only film screenings but also art exhibitions, workshops, and other cultural events.
The festival has garnered support from significant media outlets like The Globe and Mail and CBC, and the Mayor of Toronto, John Tory, has opened two editions of the festival. Filmmakers from across the globe are invited to submit their work, contributing to the ongoing success of this celebrated event, which serves both the local Iranian community and Toronto’s broader film-loving audience.
OUR MISSION
Amid Toronto’s vibrant neighborhoods, the Cyrus International Film Festival has found a fitting home that reflects its mission: to highlight the diverse voices and perspectives from around the globe. Welcoming filmmakers from various backgrounds, the festival weaves their unique stories into the rich cinematic tapestry that both Toronto and the festival proudly represent.
In a city renowned for its multicultural essence, the festival draws inspiration from Toronto’s spirit of embracing and celebrating differences. Honoring the legacy of Cyrus the Great—who championed universal human rights and respect for diversity—the festival echoes these values, resonating with the ethos of the city itself.
The festival’s vision is to become a cornerstone of the global film calendar—an annual gathering for international critics and the film industry, where Iranian and Persian cinema is celebrated, and its finest works are showcased for the public. In just a few short years, the festival has made its mark with world premieres, high-profile guests, academic collaborations, and consistently sold-out screenings, positioning itself as a leading event in Toronto’s cultural landscape.